Shoe with a Replaceable Upper

ABSTRACT

An open-toe shoe with a flexible upper removably attachable to a rigid sole. The upper is attached to the sole by a set of screws turned into internally-threaded bores in the sole. The bore is a hole formed directly in the sole or the bore is within a hard insert secured in the sole. For an upper with a thong, the thong optionally attaches to the foot bed using a threaded rod turned into a threaded bore.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shoes, more particularly, to open toe shoes with uppers that can be easily replaced.

2. Description of the Related Art

Shoes comprise a sole to protect the foot from the ground and uppers to secure the foot to the sole. Often, the appearance of the shoe is paramount. It is generally desirable that the appearance of the shoe coordinate in style and color with the rest of the wearer's clothing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is for use with open toe shoes having a sole of a rigid material and a flexible upper that forms an arch over the front portion.

The present invention includes methods for removably attaching the upper to the sole. In the first embodiment, the upper is attached to the sole by a set of screws turned into internally-threaded bores in the sole. The bore is a hole formed directly in the sole or the bore is within a hard insert secured in the sole.

In the second embodiment, the upper is attached to the sole by a set of interference fit studs pushed into bores in the sole. The bore is a hole formed directly in the sole or the bore is within a hard insert secured in the sole.

The studs are designed to be removable by hand. Several different configurations are contemplated, all of which are designed to compress radially as it is pushed into the bore. The compressed stud pushes against the bore surface to secure the stud in the bore.

For an upper with a thong, the thong attaches to the foot bed using a threaded rod turned into a threaded bore. The threaded rod may extend from the foot bed or extend from the thong.

Objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of the shoe of the present invention with an example of an upper;

FIG. 2 is a top view of another example of an upper for the shoe of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of another example of an upper for the shoe of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a screw attachment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another screw attachment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the shoe of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an unassembled, cross-sectional view of a stud attachment;

FIG. 8 is an unassembled, cross-sectional view of another stud attachment;

FIG. 9 is an unassembled, cross-sectional view of another stud attachment;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a shoe of the present invention showing one embodiment of a thong attachment; and

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a shoe of the present invention showing another embodiment of a thong attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application hereby incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/761,113, on which this application is based.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the shoe 10 of the present invention. The sole 12 is typically a unitary component with a bottom 20, a foot bed 22 on the top, and sides 24 that extend between the back 30 and toe 32. The bottom 20 may include a heel 26 or may be flat. Typically, the foot bed 22 slopes downwardly from the back 30 to the toe 32. The thickness of the sole 12 determines the height of the shoe 10.

The sole 12 is composed of a rigid material, such as wood, plastic, cork, and/or carbon composite.

The upper 14 is typically formed from one or more straps of flexible thermoplastic, canvas, twill, leather, or other flexible material. The upper 14 forms an arch over the front portion 34 of the sole 12 so that the edges 28 of the upper 14 overlap the sides 24 at the front portion 34. There are many possible shapes for the upper 14, and the present invention contemplates that any shape that can be adapted for the present invention can be used. Some examples of uppers 14 are shown in the figures. In the example of FIG. 1, the upper 14 is a unitary strap 18 a. In the example of FIG. 2, the upper 14 is a pair of straps 18 b connected by a detachable fastener, such as a buckle 16, as in FIG. 2, microhook/microloop fastener, snaps, hooks, etc. In the example of FIG. 3, the upper 14 is composed of multiple straps 18 c that may or may not be attached together.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper 14 is attached to the sole 12 by a set of screws 36 turned into internally-threaded bores 38 in the sole 12.

In one configuration, shown in FIG. 4, the bore 38 is a hole formed in the sole 12. Depending on the material from which the sole 12 is composed, the bore 38 may or may not be robust enough to not wear out through repeated use.

In another configuration, shown in FIG. 5, the bore 38 is in an insert 48 that is installed in an aperture 40 in the sole 12. The insert 48 is composed of a hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, that is resistant to wear. Many different metals, metal alloys, and plastics can be used. By using insert 48 made from hard materials, the upper 14 can be replaced a large number of times without the insert's internal threads wearing out.

The size and type of screws 36 and the size of the bores 38 depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the size and thickness of the sole 12, the thickness of the upper 14 around the hole 42, the number of screw 36/bore 38 pairs needed to secure the upper 14 to the sole 12, and the desired style of the shoe 10. The depth of the bore 38 depends on the length of the screw 36, and will typically be in the range of from ¼-inch to ½-inch deep.

The screws 36 can be metal or plastic. The desired material is determined by both robustness and style. Metal screws are typically more robust and last longer than plastic screws. On the other hand, plastic screws can be made in any desired color and the screw head 44 can be made in any desired shape and style.

The upper 14 is attached to the sole 12 by inserting the screws 36 through holes 42 in the upper 14 along the edges 28 and turning them into the corresponding threaded bores 38 in the sole 12. The diameter of the holes 42 in the upper 14 is large enough for the threaded portion 46 of the screw 36 but smaller than the diameter of the screw head 44. Optionally, the upper holes 42 are reinforced so they do not distort, rip, or otherwise become enlarged such that the screw head 44 is pulled through the hole 42.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the upper 14 is attached to the sole 12 by a set of shaped studs 74 that fit into bores 76 in the sole 12. An interference fit (also known as a press fit or friction fit) retains the studs 74 in the bore 76. The interference fit is strong enough to hold the upper 14 to the sole 12 under typical conditions but allows the stud 74 to be removed from the bore 76 by hand.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the bore 76 has a smooth cylindrical interior surface 92. Optionally, the interior surface 92 is slightly concave, that is, the center of the bore 76 has a slightly larger diameter than the ends of the bore 76.

In one configuration, shown in FIG. 7, the bore 76 is a hole formed directly in the sole 12. Depending on the material from which the sole 12 is composed, the bore 76 may or may not be robust enough to not wear out through repeated use.

In another configuration, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bore 76 is in an insert 94 that is installed in an aperture 96 in the sole 12. The insert 94 is composed of a hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, that is resistant to wear. Many different metals, metal alloys, and plastics can be used. By using an insert 94 made from a hard material, the upper 14 can be replaced a large number of times without the bore 76 wearing out.

Either configuration of the bore 76 can be used with any configuration of the stud 74.

The stud 74 is designed to be retained in the bore 76 by friction, thereby providing an interference fit. In general, the stud 74 has a body 88 and a head 84. The body 88 is designed to compress in on itself as it is being installed in the bore 76 and the outward pressure of the body 88 trying to return to its uncompressed state is what provides the friction against the bore interior surface 92.

The present invention contemplates several different configurations to provide the compressibility desired.

In one configuration, shown in FIG. 7, the stud body 88 has a tapered nose 78 with a diameter that increases to a central section 80 having a diameter greater than the interior diameter of the bore 76. A longitudinal slot 82 forms two parallel legs 86 in the central section 80. The stud 74 is composed of a slightly flexible material that provides the ability to bend as described below. Many different metals, metal alloys, and plastics can be used.

During installation, the stud 74 is inserted into the bore 76 and pushed. As the stud diameter increases toward the central section 80, the central section 80 pushes against the interior surface 92 of the bore 76. As the stud 74 pushes farther into the bore 76, the slot 82 provides a gap into which the two legs 86 of the central section 80 can bend. Bending the legs 86 inwardly causes them to press outwardly against the interior surface 92 of the bore 76, thereby securing the stud 74 in the bore 76 by friction.

In another configuration, shown in FIG. 8, the stud body 88 has a tapered nose 102 and a plurality of ribs 104. The diameter of the ribs 104 is greater than the interior diameter of the bore 76. A longitudinal slit 106 that runs from the nose 102 almost to the head 84 forms two parallel legs 108. The stud 74 is composed of a slightly flexible material that provides the ability to bend as described below. Many different metals, metal alloys, and plastics can be used.

During installation, the stud 74 is inserted into the bore 76 and pushed. As the stud 74 enters the bore 76, the slit 106 provides a gap into which the two legs 108 can bend. Bending the legs 108 inwardly causes them to press outwardly against the interior surface 92 of the bore 76, thereby securing the stud 74 in the bore 76 by friction.

In another configuration, shown in FIG. 9, the stud body 88 is composed of a hard material, such as metal or plastic, that is covered by a sleeve 112 composed of silicone or other pliable material. The diameter of the stud body 88 is larger than that of the bore 76. During installation, the sleeve 112 compresses when pressed into the bore 76 and pushes against the interior surface 92 of the bore 76 to secure the stud 74 in the bore 76.

In another configuration, the stud body 88 is composed of a slightly resilient material with a diameter that is larger than that of the bore 76. During installation, the stud body 88 compresses when pressed into the bore 76 and pushes against the interior surface 92 of the bore 76 to secure the stud 74 in the bore 76.

The upper 14 is attached to the sole 12 by inserting the studs 74 through the holes 42 in the upper 14 along the edges 28 and pushing them into the corresponding bore 76 in the sole 12. The diameter of the holes 42 in the upper 14 is large enough for the body 88 of the stud 74 but smaller than the diameter of the stud head 84. The stud 74 is pushed into the bore 76 until the head 84 holds the upper 14 against the sole 12. Optionally, the upper holes 42 are reinforced so they do not distort, rip, or otherwise become enlarged such that the stud head 84 is pulled through the hole 42.

The studs 74 are removed manually either by prying out with fingers or by using an optional tool that resembles a two-tined fork. The tines slide between the head 84 and upper 14 or between the upper 14 and the sole 12 to pull the stud 74 from the bore 76.

The size of the studs 74 and the bores 76 depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the size and thickness of the sole 12, the thickness of the upper 14 around the hole 42, the number of stud 74/bore 76 pairs needed to secure the upper 14 to the sole 12, the material from which the stud 74 is made, and the desired style of the shoe 10. The depth of the bore 76 depends on the length of the stud 74, and will typically be in the range of from ½ inch to 1½ inches.

When used, the inserts 48, 94 are installed into apertures 40, 96 in the sides 24 of the sole 12 and are secured in the apertures 40, 96. Examples of methods of securing the insert 48, 94 in the aperture 40, 96 include press-fit, threads, molded-in, and adhesive. The present invention contemplates that any method that securely retains the insert 48, 94 in the aperture 40, 96 can be used, including combinations of different methods.

In one method of securing the insert 48, 94 in the aperture 40, 96, the insert 48, 94 is press-fit into the aperture 40, 96. The outside diameter of the insert 48, 94 is the same or slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture 40, 96. Optionally, the outer surface of the insert 48, 94 is textured to lock the insert 48, 94 more securely in the aperture 40, 96.

In another method of securement, an adhesive is used to secure the insert 48, 94 in the aperture 40, 96. The type of adhesive depends on the materials of which the insert 48, 94 and sole 12 are composed. For example, a wood sole will likely require a different adhesive than a plastic sole and a metal insert will likely require a different adhesive than a plastic insert. Optionally, the outer surface of the insert 48, 94 and/or the surface of the aperture 40, 96 is textured to provide a more secure hold.

In another method of securement, the outer surface of the insert 48, 94 is threaded. The insert 48, 94 is turned into the aperture 40, 96 and is secured by the threads. Optionally, an adhesive is used to more securely hold the insert 48, 94.

In another method of securement, the insert 48, 94 is molded into the sole 12. This method is available for molded plastic and composite soles 12. The outer surface of the insert 48, 94 is textured to provide a secure hold when the molded sole cools around the insert 48, 94.

The bores 38, 76 are positioned to provide an attachment for the upper 14 that will hold the wearer's foot in the shoe 10. FIG. 1 shows four bores 38 on each side 24 of the sole 12.

The present invention contemplates that not all of the bores 38, 76 may be needed to securely attach the upper 14 to the sole 12. For example, in the shoe of FIG. 1, there may be more than four bores 38 on each side 24, but because the upper 14 only has four holes 42 on each side, not all of the bores 38 are needed.

The present invention can also be used with uppers 14 that have a thong 52, as in FIGS. 10 and 11. The thong 52 attaches to the foot bed 22 by a threaded attachment, of which several non-exclusive embodiments are envisioned.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, there is a threaded bore 54 in the foot bed 22 of the sole 12 and a mating threaded shank 56 at the end of the thong 52. The threaded shank 56 is turned into the bore 54 prior to the screws 36/studs 74 being installed. Optionally, in order to reduce wear, the bore 54 is within an insert within an aperture, as described above.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, a threaded rod 58 extends upwardly from the foot bed 22 and a mating threaded aperture 60 is at the end of the thong 52. The threaded rod 58 can be attached to the foot bed 22 in any number of different ways. In FIG. 11, the sole 12 has a base 64 and a cover 66 made from, for example, leather. The rod 58 is attached to a disk 68 and the disk 68 is attached to the base 64. The cover 66 has a hole 70 through which the rod 58 extends. The rod 58 is placed through the hole 70 and the cover 66 is adhered to the base 64, thereby covering and securing the disk 68 to the sole 12.

If the sole 12 is thick enough, the rod 58 can be threaded directly into the sole 12 or the rod 58 can be threaded into an insert secured in the sole 12. Alternatively, the rod 58 can be glued into an aperture in the sole 12.

The aperture 60 is within an insert 62 within the thong 52. As with the inserts described above, the thong insert 62 is composed of a hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, that is resistant to wear.

Thus it has been shown and described a shoe with a replaceable upper. Since certain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described in the foregoing specification and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A shoe comprising: (a) a sole composed of a rigid material and having a back, toe, sides extending between the back and toe, and a foot bed; (b) an upper composed of a flexible material that arches over the front portion of the sole and having edges that overlap the sides of the sole at the front portion; (c) a plurality of holes along each side edge of the upper, the holes having a hole diameter; (d) a plurality of threaded bores in the sides of the sole, each of the holes having a bore aligned therewith; (e) a plurality of screws having a threaded body and a head, the head having a diameter larger than the hole diameter, each screw body extending through each hole and turned into the aligned threaded bore until the screw head holds the upper against the side of the sole.
 2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the bore is within an insert mounted in an aperture in the sole, the insert being composed of a hard material.
 3. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the screw is composed of a metal.
 4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the screw is composed of a plastic.
 5. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the hole is reinforced.
 6. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the upper further comprises a thong and wherein the thong removably attaches to the foot bed by a threaded attachment. 